Trades & Labor Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Truck Driver Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median truck driver salary in Rapid City, SD is $44,928 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$44,928
vs State Avg
+$998
vs National
$-4,992
Cost of Living
90%

Truck Driver Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median truck driver salary of $44,928, which is $998 above the South Dakota state average of $43,930. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Rapid City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rapid City's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for truck drivers in Rapid City spans from $29,880 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,800. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Truck Driver Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level truck driver earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $36,180
Median (50th) $44,928
75th Percentile $57,420
90th Percentile $70,200

Truck Driver Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$45,926
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$42,931
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$41,933
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$40,934
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Truck Driver in Rapid City

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rapid City and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open truck driver positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Truck Driver make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $44,928 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,928, a truck driver in Rapid City earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Rapid City's median truck driver salary of $44,928 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $43,930. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼
Rapid City has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $44,928 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Rapid City? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Rapid City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.